Marine Patrol Called To Hook Theft Suspect

BOCA RATON -- The marine patrol reeled in an auto-theft suspect after he splashed into the sea to avoid a police net.

Police tried to lure John Uzdavinis back onto land for more than two hours after he waded into the surf 30 feet off the beach.

Uzdavinis, 28, worked his way north for more than a mile after dashing into the waves by the Bedford condominium complex on the 300 block of South Ocean Boulevard.

Police officers did not follow him into the water, said Officer Terry Walters. Instead, they walked along the beach and ordered Uzdavinis to give himself up. When he refused, they called in the marine unit.

Uzdavinis, who gave no address, was charged with loitering and prowling, resisting arrest without violence and grand theft auto. He was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail for a bond hearing.

Police spotted Uzdavinis hiding in sea grapes on the beach at the 500 block of South Ocean Boulevard shortly after 3 a.m. Officers were called to the area after an alarm sounded in the parking garage of the Chalfonte condominium. Before he could be questioned, Uzdavinis fled across the beach and jumped into the surf.

``The officers kept telling him to come on in, but he wouldn`t,`` Walters said.

Uzdavinis, dripping wet and naked, was pulled from the water at 5:22 a.m. by a marine patrol officer, Walters said.